What Causes Brown Discharge? Is It Normal Before or After a Period?

In brief:

• Brown discharge just before or after a period is often old blood.
• Spotting between periods can have many causes, including hormonal changes, contraception, infections and polyps.
• Any bleeding after menopause needs medical assessment, even if it is light and happens only once.
• Discharge with an unpleasant smell, itching or pain may be a sign of infection.

What causes brown discharge?

A brown colour means a small amount of blood has mixed with the discharge. When blood leaves the womb slowly, it darkens and appears brown rather than red. Cleveland Clinic and the US National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) list these causes:

The beginning or end of a period

This is the most common harmless cause. In the last days of a period or one to two days afterwards, blood remaining in the womb leaves slowly and looks brown (Cleveland Clinic). Similar spotting can happen just before a period starts.

Spotting between periods

The cervix is delicate tissue and can bleed a little. This is common in young people whose periods have recently started, but can occur at any age (Cleveland Clinic). Other causes listed by MedlinePlus include:

• Changes in hormone levels
• Irregular use of contraceptive pills
• An intrauterine device (IUD)
• Stress
• An underactive thyroid
• Blood-thinning medicines
• After a pelvic examination or biopsy

Infections

• Bacterial vaginosis: Discharge is usually grey, but may look brown when it dries on underwear. It is almost always accompanied by a fishy smell (Cleveland Clinic).
• Trichomoniasis: This sexually transmitted infection can irritate tissue and cause a little bleeding. It can also cause thin or frothy, white, yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant smell (Cleveland Clinic).
• Inflammation of the cervix or womb lining can also cause bleeding between periods (MedlinePlus).

Polyps and fibroids

Non-cancerous growths in the cervix or womb, such as polyps and fibroids, may cause spotting (MedlinePlus).

Pregnancy

Bleeding in pregnancy may be a sign of conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Tell your doctor about any bleeding if you are pregnant (MedlinePlus). If your period is late and pregnancy is possible, take a test first.

Menopause

As oestrogen falls at menopause, the vaginal wall becomes thinner and small blood vessels may bleed more easily (Cleveland Clinic). However, bleeding may also come from the womb. According to the NHS, although this thinning is the most common cause of postmenopausal bleeding, polyps, thickening of the womb lining and, less often, womb or ovarian cancer may also cause it. MedlinePlus reports that the cancer risk rises to about 10% in women with postmenopausal bleeding. Every episode therefore needs assessment. For other changes during menopause, see What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?.

Is brown discharge before a period normal?

An occasional small amount is often not a problem; light spotting can occur as a period approaches. Hormonal changes, such as those linked to irregular contraceptive pill use, can also cause spotting (MedlinePlus). If you have had unprotected sex, light spotting around the time your period is due may also be an early sign of pregnancy (NHS); take a test if your period is late. See a doctor if spotting becomes frequent, differs in amount from usual or comes with pain (Cleveland Clinic).

Is brown discharge after a period normal?

Yes, it often is. Brown discharge at the end of a period or one to two days afterwards is blood remaining in the womb being released slowly (Cleveland Clinic). If it continues for days, smells unpleasant or comes with itching and pain, the cause needs investigation.

When should you see a doctor?

According to Cleveland Clinic and MedlinePlus, see a doctor if:

• Spotting between periods is frequent or heavier than usual
• Spotting turns into heavy bleeding, especially with pelvic pain
• The colour, consistency or smell of discharge changes
• Discharge comes with pain or itching
• You notice discharge you have never had before
• You are pregnant
• You are in or approaching menopause and have brown discharge
• Bleeding is accompanied by weakness, dizziness or pelvic pain

For other possible causes of discharge with an unpleasant smell, itching or a change in colour, see What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?.

Frequently asked

Is brown discharge a sign of pregnancy?

Not on its own. The most common cause is old blood at the start or end of a period. If your period is late and pregnancy is possible, take a test; report any bleeding during pregnancy to your doctor.

Can the contraceptive pill cause brown discharge?

Hormonal contraception, especially when used irregularly, can cause spotting between periods (MedlinePlus). An IUD may also cause occasional spotting. Talk to your doctor if spotting persists.

What should I do about brown discharge after menopause?

See a doctor. Any bleeding after menopause needs assessment, even if it is light or happens only once (NHS).